For the Community

Commit to Equity

Join St. Louis Graduates and St. Louis Regional Chamber in committing to eliminating racital and economic disparities in postsecondary degree completion.

INCREASE ACCESS TO COLLEGE FOR ALL

Business, higher education and community leaders – Reinforce the message that increased postsecondary attainment is a regional priority by signing and committing to implement the St. Louis Regional Education Commitment.

Business – Offer young adults summer jobs, internships, job shadowing days and other opportunities to understand careers in your field and the education required to pursue them.

High school counselors and non-profit advisors – Participate in St. Louis Graduates’ free Professional Development Institute to strengthen college and career advising and student postsecondary planning.

Philanthropy - Collaborate to support college and career readiness programs and ensure programs funded align with effective practice.

ENSURE POSTSECONDARY AFFORDABILITY

Policy-makers - Increase funding for Access Missouri so the program can, at a minimum, provide maximum awards to all 50,000 students who need this aid. End the legislative practice requiring Missouri’s public colleges and universities to charge international tuition rates to immigrant students. Convene a cross-sector financial aid task force to increase and prioritize state financial resources in support of students with financial need.

Business and philanthropy – Support expansion of need-based scholarship and interest-free loan programs like those on Scholarship Central.

Employers – Provide tuition reimbursement to support employees with some credits in completing their degrees.

SUPPORT STUDENTS THROUGH DEGREE COMPLETION

Business - Promote a culture of life-long learning by offering a flexible work environment, tuition reimbursement and other workplace supports. Join Gateway to Degrees to learn more about work-place practices that benefit returning adults.